Women With ADD - Symptoms and Diagnosis
Women who suffer from ADD have to deal with daily challenges into adulthood. Women who suffer from ADD may have trouble meeting the needs of their families whether they dream at school or struggle to manage household chores. The symptoms are different for women and opposite to the more common signs in men, which means diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD might find it difficult to maintain a job or manage household chores, particularly during periods of hormonal changes like puberty PMS, and perimenopausal. Depression, though not a symptom of ADD is frequently associated with the disorder and is often incorrectly diagnosed by doctors looking for signs that are that are more typical of males. Women with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADD are impatient visibly or internally, jump into activities without thinking and speak and act impulsively. Small irritations, like waiting in line or on the phone can cause them to drift into disorientation. They also struggle with managing their time, forgetfulness and trouble concentrating on tasks. They might also have a tendency to fidget and sleep poorly. They may be prone anxiety and depression, which are often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Because women's symptoms of ADD are less recognized than those of men and therefore, it can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors tend to concentrate on certain symptoms that are more common in boys, but overlook the subtleties when it comes to ADD in girls. Home is especially relevant during menopausal cycles, puberty or perimenopausal, as well as PMS, when estrogen levels decrease. Depression can also be a co-occurring condition with ADD in a lot of women and needs to be treated. Before visiting an ophthalmologist, read a few books on ADHD/ADD to gain a better understanding of the condition and your own symptoms. You will feel more confident and comfortable when you are going through the process of diagnosing.